The Universe is full of exoplanets. But what do we call them? PSR 1257 12 b. GJ 317 c. Oph 11 b. BORING.

The asteroid formerly known as "274301" shall henceforth be known as "Wikipedia."

Astronomers are particular people, but few are more particular than the members of the International Astronomical Union. The IAU dictates everything from whether or not something qualifies as a planet, to what that planet (or non-planet) can be called.

For those still distraught about Pluto's demotion from full-fledged planet to dwarf, the battle is not over. The former planet has made some powerful allies who believe their discoveries will convince astronomers to bring Pluto back into the planetary fold.

Click to viewEver since the International Astronomical Union demoted Pluto to a dwarf planet (does it even deserve a capital "P"???) in 2006, astronomers around the world have been at odds to describe just what they mean when they say the word "planet." For the moment, the solar system is holding steady with eight of them, …